Why does Wi-Fi calling fail without cell signal on iPhone SE?

My residence has inconsistent cell signals but good Wi-Fi. I have Wi-Fi calling set, my phone carrier supports it, but if cell service drops completely I can't make or receive phone calls. The Apple Support wi-fi calling page suggests this should work, but in two calls I have gotten different answers. One said it doesn't work that way: no cell signal = no call service. The other said Wi-Fi calling *should* work without cell service but offered no help on *making* it work.

Suggestions, anyone?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone SE, iOS 18

Posted on Feb 14, 2025 8:07 AM

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Mag_Wheels Author

Level 1

12 points

Posted on Feb 15, 2025 12:31 PM

That is correct. I didn't try Airplane Mode until earlier today. Why not? Based on my own observation that no cell signal = no WiFi call capability, an Xfinity Mobile support agent telling me the same thing, and your own strong declarative statement that it worked that way, the LAST time I'd expect Wi-Fi calling to succeed is when the cell radio is turned off in Airplane Mode.

But it does. I've tried it with several incoming and outgoing calls on multiple different Wi-Fi networks and it works reliably.

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Why does Wi-Fi calling fail without cell signal on iPhone SE?

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